1968 Jaguar XKE Base 4.2L

Description

I bought this car in 2013 from a dealer in Texas. Originally registered in California I was told it wasowned in Arizona and New Mexico. I believe this to be true as the body appears original and rust free but needed replacement of all rubber door and window seals . I am a British car collector/restorer and wanted a solid example of the E-Type to make a daily driver. Here is a list of most of the work done;.

Front suspension rebuilt with new bushings, ball-joints and steering rod ends, new Gaz adjustable shocks, discs and pads, calipers rebuilt. I have new rear discs and pads but as originals are in excellent condition I did not change them. The rear differential is original (3.31:1) and is quiet and smooth in operation though the speedometer reads about 5mph high. If I were to keep the car, I would fit a modern 5 speed transmission to make longer journeys more pleasurable.

The infamous Stromberg carbs and manifolds were replaced with a Jaguar three carb 4.2 air intake and three rebuilt 2" SU carbs. I also replaced the original valve covers with a pair of polished aluminum cam covers making the engine like the European/Canadian spec car. The engine starts and runs beautifully commensurate with the apparent mileage on the speedometer (73786). I did not convert the center switch panel but did replace the switch surround and several switches. A new Pertronix distributor was also installed as well as a new SU fuel pump.

I wanted a manual transmission so sourced one from the same model car. A new pedal box, clutch master and slave as well as a Fidanza aluminum flywheel andnew clutch kit got me in business.

While the engine and suspension was out, the glass and chrome was removed and body was sanded down for a fresh coat of Ascot Fawn paint which looks stunning. The car was professionally painted but has one or two minor blemishes not visible to the camera lens. After paint, Thermo Tec insulation was fitted to the interior, underand above the bell-housing and tunnel before the engine/transmission was installed with a new stainless exhaust system and engine/transmission mounts. All rubber door, glassand hatch seals were replaced and new radiator hoses, intake trumpets and filters finished the job.

I have the chromed "hoops" for front and rear bumpers but did not re-mount them as I think it looks better without.These and many other new and removedparts will transfer with the car.

Florida is hot and the original a/c evaporator and Tecumseh compressor were inadequate. I fitted a Retroair conversion which looks and cools great and also had a reflective coating added to the glass.

Pirelli tires have great tread and a new battery is installed. The car is beautiful and interior looks great but would benefit from some fabric replacementbelow the excellent headliner and on the sun visors. Seat tracks work well and both seats recline. New high quality carpet is fitted.

I have two other projects in the wings so she has to go.This is probably the most solid and original series 1 bodied 2+2 you will probably find and reserve is set for a quick sale. You can take ownership just before her 50th birthday next year.